LION CUBS OFF TO A FLYER

LEICESTER raced to an impressive 49-38 away win at Belle Vue in the first meeting of the WSRA National Development League season.

The Lion Cubs recovered from conceding a 5-0 in the first race of a clash which got off to an incident-strewn start after heavy rain hit the track shortly before tapes-up.

But they gradually gained control of the meeting, led by skipper Joe Thompson (12) and with reserve Luke Crang adding 9+1 on his debut for the club.

Guest Ben Trigger top-scored for the Colts with 11, and Chad Wirtzfeld impressed on his return to speedway with 8+2.

Lion Cubs boss Dave Howard said: “There were a few incidents in the first few races, but the team overall did a great job.

“We were behind at the start after some of our falls, but then we really got into it, and everybody put a great effort in. It was brilliant to get an 11-point win.

“We knew everyone would give everything, but we didn’t know how Belle Vue would do – but to get this away win is fantastic for us.”

Wirtzfeld said: “It was a learning curve because I’m not as familiar with the track as some of the other boys, but things came together quite well for me because I don’t have a point of reference for this place.

“Because it was so deep, it was much more similar to the conditions I’m used to in Grass Track, which I think is what was throwing the others off, especially early on.

“But I don’t think the result reflected the effort that was put in. Everyone was doing their best and nobody was throwing in the towel. It was just one of those afternoons unfortunately.”

OFFICIAL REFEREE SCORECARD
Available here

Photo credit: IAN CHARLES